Why do we need to take the swim test?

Colleges and Universities A-Z Cornell University
1

<p>Why do we need to take the swim test? I don't understand why. What does swimming have to do with Cornell? Was Ezra Cornell a swimmer himself? What other schools require this test?</p>

2

<p><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cornelliana#Swim_test%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cornelliana#Swim_test&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

3

<p>MIT also req's a swim test</p>

4

<p>the requirement is outdated and many other schools require it also</p>

5

<p>I know it's outdated, but people should really know how to swim anyways.</p>

6

<p>if they haven't learned by the time they r 18 whats the point?maybe its for some stupid reason(like the one I have).</p>

7

<p>I don't know. The notion of not being able to swim just strikes me as absurd.</p>

8

<p>yes it may be absurd but many people don't know how to swim. maybe bc they don't want to learn, didn't have access to a pool or lessons, are allegeric to clorine or the chemicals in pools, etc</p>

9

<p>I heard it's because they think swimming is a basic sport that everyone should know.</p>

10

<p>its a requirement from WWII</p>

11

<p>its because some kid drowned and Cornell feared anyomre lawsuits against it.</p>

12

<p>where u hear that arjun?</p>

13

<p>i remeber reading the first part somewhere...
but the second was a joke</p>

14

<p>oh, im pretty sure it has something to do with soldiers drowning in WWII, probably lawsuits have something to do with it lol</p>

15

<p>Swim test is not because someone drowned. Read more here: <a href="http://www.snopes.com/college/admin/swimtest.asp%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://www.snopes.com/college/admin/swimtest.asp&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

16

<p>oh i was wrong sry for the mis information.</p>

17

<p>oh cool...is that the origins!!!
wow...because a lot of articles ive read told me the other cause.</p>

18

<p>Yes Snopes is a good site that either confirms or debunks many urban legends. Read through their college section.. it's pretty informative..</p>

19

<p>wow! Good thing I'm a competitive swimmer :)</p>

20

<p>Well I think I have "aquaphobia" if there is such a thing. I drown, to say it simply. Since I dont know how to swim, I guess I shall be spending most this summer at the YMCA learning those strokes.</p>